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Atomic Cannon (Closed)

Junction City's Atomic Cannon is most grandly displayed, high atop a bluff in "Freedom Park," on loan (permanent) from the Smithsonian. A switchback trail leads up to the summit, past rusting howitzers and small pieces of artillery. The climb is invigorating.

The Atomic Cannon, an M65-280mm, can throw a shell 20 miles, which would place ground zero southwest and just shy of Abilene (home of the Eisenhower Museum).

The cannon, while conceptually impressive, could be any other plugged-up piece of old military hardware. It has no special markings, flash protection screens, radiation symbols. Guess if something went wrong, there's really no point. A display shell sits in the breach, ready to loft towards Ike's hometown.

After paying your respects to the Atomic Cannon, visit nearby tributes to weapons actually used in combat. Across the interstate, about two miles, is Fort Riley, home to the the grave of the last calvary mount in the U.S. Army, a monument to war-weary Civil War horses, and a long-forgotten Geographical Center of USA monument.

Atomic Cannon

Rock Island Arsenal

On an island between Rock Island, IL, and Davenport, IA. I-74 exit 2. Drive west on 7th Ave. to 14th St. Turn right and go straight down the street, up the ramp, across the 16th St. bridge to the island (You'll need a picture ID to enter the Island). You'll be on Rodman Ave. The cannon will be about a mile on your left, in Memorial Park.

Museum of the Big Guns

Watervliet Arsenal Museum

Directions:

Watervliet Arsenal Museum. I-787 north past Albany. Exit at 23rd St (Watervliet). Left at stop light, then left at next stop light (Broadway). South on Broadway, paralleling I-787. In about one mile you will pass the Main Gate for the arsenal, which is closed. Make the next right (3rd Ave.) and then right at the South Gate. Register with guards.

Atomic Cannon

U.S. Army Field Artillery and Fort Sill Museum

U.S. Army Field Artillery and Fort Sill Museum. Displayed outdoors. I-44 exit 41 (Key Gate). West on Sheridan Road, then immediate right on Randolph Rd. Drive one-half mile. The cannon is on the left, just past the museum, at the corner of Randolph and Geronimo Rds.